ISLAMABAD: The political landscape in Pakistan is heating up as the country inches closer to the much-anticipated February 8 polls. With top political parties intensifying their election campaigns, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has shared crucial details about the extensive lineup of candidates who are set to participate in the upcoming general elections.
With approximately 20 days remaining until the polling process unfolds, the ECP announced that a staggering 17,816 candidates have thrown their hats into the ring. Among them, 5,121 candidates are gearing up for the National Assembly seats, while a substantial 12,695 candidates are eyeing seats in regional legislatures.
Breaking down the data provided by the electoral watchdog, it was revealed that a notable 11,785 independent candidates are eager to contest both national and provincial assembly seats. Specifically, 3,748 independent candidates and 1,873 political party candidates are competing for National Assembly seats, while 8,537 independent candidates and 4,158 political party candidates are in the race for provincial assembly seats.
Women candidates are making a notable presence in the upcoming elections, with 882 women vying for seats in both the National Assembly and provincial assemblies. This includes 312 candidates in the National Assembly and 570 in provincial assemblies.
An interesting trend this year is the significant increase in the number of independent candidates, with at least 6,031 individuals running for National and provincial assemblies. This figure is nearly twice as numerous as those representing political parties.
Looking region-wise, Punjab is witnessing the highest participation, with 6,710 candidates in the race. In Sindh, 2,878 candidates are competing for seats in the provincial assembly, while the KP Assembly has drawn 1,834 candidates. In the sparsely populated Balochistan, 1,273 candidates have entered the electoral fray.
As the nation braces for a crucial electoral exercise, stay tuned for comprehensive coverage and analysis of the unfolding developments in the run-up to the polls.